gregridesagain: Home at last!

Yes, yes...home at last. I arrived Wedenesday afternoon, around 3 pm, soaked to the bone. Even with rain gear on, and supposedly "water proof" boots (I think I felt a dry spot on my left ankle), I believe I carried my weight in water in all of my clothes. I will admit that my jacket, under my rain jacket was dry. But everything else...sheesh, soaked.

However, it didn't diminish the great ride that I had across America. I and my BMW R12GS became one...kind of a "zen" thing. I love that bike. It is a war horse, and a sprinter, and a cruiser. Great all around bike. It has met all my expectations and then some. The bike is really dialed in well. It is great for cruising. Rugged, yet comfortable, and when you have the need for speed, it has plenty of "wick" to twist. Plus the storage capacity was great. It allowed me to carry a bunch, for any condition or problem. Very good indeed.

Funny thing is that this bike ride took on a life of its own when I got the bug to support the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. The ride and PBTF became one and the same. The reason I got the bug was Bob Henig, of BOB'S BMW in Jessup, Maryland. He has been a decades long supporter of the Foundation, and throuigh his efforts, his customers, and the other members of the Baltimore Washington Chapter, have raised thousands and thousands of dollars. He is filled with passion about this foundation, and from that passion, got the bug. So, thanks Bob.

So, what did I get out of this monumental ride across America? Heh...Frances has asked me that. But there are many answers. First of all, I left on this journey to have fun, but also to dedicate my time and commitment to raising money for the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation. I have raised more than $13,000 so far, and have committed another $3,000. I am still working it and hope to reach $25,000. I dedicated the ride to Julie Havlik, the cute 15 year old from SE Pennsylvania. She was the one that was diagnosed with a brain tumor on her 15th birthday but never got to reach 16, and drive a car, or go to college...she was lost to us. So, I was motivated and kept her and the 80,000 kids afflicted with brain tumors throughout the USA.

I had an amazing interaction too about the continuing generosity of people involved with PBTF. Yep, it was Monte, Marcia and Susan from Asheville who reached into their pockets, sitting in front of Old Faithful, waiting for it to blow, and pulled out money to contribute to my ride. They had been involved for 10 years in Asheville, home for the PBTF offices. I read today that the RIDE FOR KIDS events in Asheville and Ann Arbor, Michigan together raised $180,000. Amazing huh?

And then the reunions..I stayed with old friends. On the way out, We stayed with Jane in Tulsa. That was fabuloso. A very late night catching up, reminissing, and just plain talking. Heading west, we stayed with Ken in Albuquerque. Really great to see him. He was the wonderful host, and the great mind he has always been. I met them both when i was with CSI...we shared alot then, and have shared much since then. It was great to see them. Then of course Rebecca and Joe, two of the most interesting and "in the moment" people I know. We shared memories of the millenium new year, and the week on 9/11/2001.. and fun, and bike shows. Then there was Beth and Vern, two Harley riders, colleagues, and friends...ready to have fun, creative, always inquisitive about...well, just about anything that stimulates their thinking. Took me to the new Harley museum. Sooo cool. And then my very good friend, Paul in Milwaukee. So close to him...never enough time.

Ah, and the great riders who joined me...Mark in Fresno...a great friend and Harley rider who has such a wonderful family. Gordon from Australia...always ready for a ride. Been riding since he was 5 years old, and seems to be a ballet dancer on a bike. Like my oldest and dearest friend Murray, who joined us in Atlanta to kick off the first few hundred miles. He rode an Older GS airhead, and is a dedicated air head rider. And, Nathalie and Thomas...who accompanied me for the entire iniatial leg across country to San Francisco.

Yep, a great ride...but most of all to Frances for puttin up with me, worrying about on the ride, but not showing it...even when I rode the last four days in the rain. She is the best...love her. All of you too. Thanks for a great ride!

Oh, it isn't over yet either. I saw Bob Henig this week at Bob's BMW and got caught up on the ride coming up for the Baltimore-Washington RIDE FOR KIDS on September 25. Frances is going to come and shoot a bunch of photos so you can see these wonderfully, strong, and hopeful children. Yep, very cool, and definitely more to come.